New in VDI-in-a-Box 5.4: Built-in HTML5 Receiver!

Schools and other organizations have struggled with the cost and complexity of implementing Virtual Desktop solutions. One source of these costs and management complexity is the access device used to connect a user to their virtual desktop. The introduction of the Google Chromebook line of products has helped address both cost and management complexity.

Google Chromebooks are designed to provide affordable computers that rely on a built-in browser to access applications and data in the cloud. From an IT administration standpoint, Chromebooks are the ideal access device because there is no local administration needed, the operating system contains a built-in browser, and a minimal amount of malware targeting the Chrome OS reduces the need for security updates and anti-virus software.

Within the last year, adoption of Chromebooks has significantly increased. In an effort to keep up with the growing adaption rate of this technology, Citrix has created the HTM5 Receiver, allowing Chromebooks and HTML5 enabled browsers to connect to desktops and applications without the need to install a native Citrix client.

With VDI-in-a-Box 5.4, we have built the HTML5 receiver into the VDI-in-a-Box appliance. The receiver is a part of every 5.4 deployment and there is no longer a need to deploy Storefront in order to leverage the ease of access that the HTML5 receiver provides.

Adding Receiver for HTML5 to VDI-in-a-Box provides a true out-of-the-box experience, as it enables users with Chromebooks to access their desktops and applications directly through their web browsers (Desktop in a Browser). Students may bring in their Chromebooks and have access to their VDI-in-a-Box Desktops. Administrators may also deploy affordable and manageable Chromebooks for teachers and students as access devices.

When a user with a Chromebook connects to the VDI-in-a-Box login page, he or she will automatically log into the HTML5 receiver site and the desktop will launch in a browser window.

VDI-in-a-Box will detect if the access device needs the HTML5 receiver in order to connect and seamlessly direct the user there. Users whose access devices already have a Citrix client installed may browse to https://GridIPAddress/html5 if they wish to use it.